The car rental companies can provide roof racks in case you take the equipment with you, for the transportation of your board in good prices from and to Iraklio airport. On the odd occasion that there is no wind there are many other things to do and see to keep you entertained. These mostly take the shape of walks, visits to the many archaeological sites and a number of other cultural tourist attractions.

During the summer real life starts in the evening and takes place in the village square by the church, which is surrounded with local cafes, bars and restaurants. While the children play football, the adults enjoy a traditional meal in the Greek taverns and the youth are having fun in the neighbouring cafes, until late.

Palekastro is a meltemi spot. The wind increases its power through a local thermal and a funnelling effect. It blows side shore from the left and blows anywhere between a Force 4 and Force 7. During the summer season (May – October) this averages out at a nice Force 6 with the most used sail being between 4.5 and 5.3m. The wind blows the whole day and starts to drop down at 5pm.

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According to a legend, Arab pirates who came to Crete threw out the pips of the dates they were eating while they were here and that from these came this grove of 5000 palms. It is prohibited to camp overnight within the grove, which covers an area of 60 acres and is protected by fencing under the care of the Forestry Service. It is organised and has been awarded with the EU Blue Flag.

It is an exotic, tropical beach with fine sand and pebbles and crystal-clear blue sea. 6 km far from Palekastro.

Located in the midst of a verdant valley with thousands of olive trees that are the source of life for the economy of the place, since agriculture and the cultivation of olives is the main occupation of the inhabitants. Famous for its source and the crystal waters flowing ceaselessly for centuries, making the land fertile  that  generously share its fruits.

If you are looking for a hidden place in eastern Crete,  Zakros – Kato Zakros is probably the place that will surprise you. The idyllic and virgin gulf of Kato Zakros stands untouched over the centuries by human intervention, and the Minoan palace of Zakros testimony  that a unique culture flourished here before 3500 years.In the  following pages you can get a small taste of Zakros, Kato Zakros, Lasithi and eastern Crete. A place that offers great natural beauty, endless possibilities of alternative tourism and the real meaning of “holidays in Crete, vacation in Greece”

Karoumes is the most remote beach in Eastern Crete !!

Chohlakies village is located between Palekastro and Zakros.

The lovers of windsurfing are attracted by it, as it is famous all around Europe for this sport. The strong winds blowing in the area make the beach ideal for wind surfing. Surfers from all over Europe come here to conquer the waves and fight with the wind. And, if you are “fresher” in this sport, don’t worry! A windsurfing school is here for you. Click here for some windsurf-infos and images.

The 3 traditional fish taverns are well-known on the whole Crete. People come here from every part of the island to taste the famous “kakavia” and “buyabesa” (traditional cretan meals with fish).

A Minoan settlement not walled has been found at the site of “Roussolakkos”, 200m far from Hiona Beach. The settlement seems to have been established since the Early Minoan period, but it flourished during the Late Minoan times. There have been found several burials, mainly of the early periods of Minoan civilisation. Within the area of the settlement the visitor can also see the sanctuary of Zeus Dictaeos (the ancient city of Itanos), active since the Geometric times, up to the Roman era. There have been found parts of buildings and several mobile finds, the most important of them being the stone inscription with the hymn of the Couretes to Zeus (the Couretes were the guards of Zeus when he was a baby; they protected him from his father Cronos).

In Minoan times Mochlos was an important port in Eastern Crete and still now one can take a small boat to the island, which lies only 150 metres off the bay, to visit the excavations of that time. In the graves were found amongst other things a delicate, richly and artistically designed piece of gold jewellery, wonderful pottery jars and also a jewellery box with a clasp shaped like a watchdog.

Today Mochlos is a peaceful little village with a picturesque harbour and clear waters. The bays around Mochlos are mainly rocky and great for snorkelling and one can find a small shingle and a sandy beach in the area.

In fact, there are 3 beaches here: the first is the one at the end of the road, the second is reached walking to the north (the beach on the photo) and the third is also reached walking south behind the small fortress. The third one is also suitable to spend time under the shade of the palm-trees.

However the best selection for swimming is the northern, sandy beach. The bottom of the sea is rich. There is a whole ancient city down there giving home to a variety of fish. It is a paradise for the lovers of diving.